Three things to know
- Add sections and target levels to the outline.
- Describe excavation and pond completion separately.
- Allow for soil when planning the shape.
Contents of this guide
An outline is not enough: add sections and levels
Provide the pond's purpose and chosen system design. Add sections and levels to the plan; individual levels and technical spaces must be clear for excavation. Distinguish earthworks, lining or tank installation, equipment and bank finishing. These can have different contractors and acceptance conditions.
OASE — ponds and water gardens, solutions and construction elements ↗
Add sections and levels to the plan
Drawings or the brief must clearly show individual levels, transitions and required shape. If the design has shelves or areas of different depths, draw them separately. Water volume or surface level does not automatically define the pit the operator must excavate.
Clarify the finished edge level and relationship to the garden separately. Agree who hands over positions and levels on site. Changing the finished-edge concept after excavation can alter both the brief and subsequent scope.
Include technical elements in the enquiry
If the design includes pumping, filtration, a skimmer or pipework, mark their positions and required construction preparation. State which trenches or additional excavations are ordered. The main pit may not represent all earthworks.
The responsible supplier designs services and selects equipment. An excavation quote does not automatically include electrical installation, equipment fitting or commissioning. Give the next company's contact so someone can confirm the prepared site's condition.
Plan soil alongside pond shape
State whether some material stays for an agreed garden use and what should leave. Allocate retained material a position within the work plan. Do not place a planned stockpile where the next contractor must work or equipment must pass.
For removal, add available information about material origin and composition. Trips are confirmed for the actual load and vehicle. Geometric excavation volumes support an estimate; they are not an exact removal weight.
Separate excavation from pond completion
In the shared plan, identify who accepts earthworks, who constructs the base and liner or tank system, and who finishes the edge. If you need only excavator work, say so as explicitly as any request for a wider scope.
SORTI offers earthworks and work on ponds and waterways to a specific brief. For a garden pond enquiry, you must still confirm which parts the company provides. This guide does not promise complete liner or filtration supply or a turnkey pond.
Swipe sideways to see all columns.
| Stage | What to clarify before ordering |
|---|---|
| Design | Purpose, actual system and responsible supplier |
| Setting out | Position, individual levels and target elevations |
| Excavation | Main shape, technical areas and soil handling |
| Acceptance | Required condition and next contractor's contact |
| Completion | Base, tank or liner, equipment and surroundings |
What to check before confirming a date
Prepare utility documents, access photographs and known ground information. Report water, old fill or nearby structures in advance. Improvisation during digging must not replace specialist resolution of changed conditions.
Check required documents and consultations with the responsible people for your particular proposal; this guide does not declare any option automatically exempt from permission. Coordinate excavation with the next stage and securing the unfinished site.
A short brief for an initial discussion
'I am planning a pond in [municipality] for [purpose]. The chosen solution is [system / selection status]; documents are attached. I need [main excavation, technical areas, removal]. Soil arrangements are [plan]. The next stage is provided by [contact]. Photographs show access and existing conditions.'
If the design is still developing, state what is missing. A described intention helps initially; a precise scope and execution need a completed brief. Do not enter an unsecured excavation to take measurements or photographs.
Frequently asked questions
Is an outline on the grass enough for excavation?
It does not define every depth, transition or interface. Provide requirements for the actual shape and levels before execution.
Do you recommend one depth for all ponds?
No. The brief depends on the purpose and particular design or system. This guide addresses excavation organisation.
Does excavation also include liner and filtration?
Not automatically. Assign each part and its supplier explicitly.
Is this about repairing an existing pond?
This guide covers preparation for excavating a new garden pond. A separate guide addresses repairs to existing ponds and waterways.
Send coordinated excavation documents
Attach the plan, sections and labelled technical areas. Explain which details are confirmed and who accepts the earthworks.